the study of the visual arts in their historical contexts enriches the understanding of human creativity and the human condition. the undergraduate curriculum introduces the student to the visual arts of the past and the present. courses cover the arts of ancient and medieval europe, modern europe, the united states, africa, and east asia, including china, japan, korea, and the art of buddhism. courses are offered in the history of architecture, photography, prints, and drawings.

three degrees can be earned with majors in the history of art, the b.a. and b.g.s. in the college of liberal arts and sciences and the b.f.a. in the school of the arts. students may also choose to minor in art history.